Yesterday Equest Board of Directors Chair Jocelyn White notified the Equest board that Equest CEO Patrick Bricker had resigned. She sent the following letter:
“Dear Equest Family,
“It is with heavy hearts that the Equest Board of Directors has unanimously accepted the resignation of Patrick Bricker as Equest’s President and CEO, effective immediately.
“Patrick has given us invaluable time, service and commitment over the past four years. He has helped us to achieve several major landmarks during his tenure. The move into our second location at the Texas Horse Park has been a major accomplishment and it has allowed the organization to apply for, and win, the coveted and prestigious Crystal Charity grant.
“Patrick is a true visionary and we wish him complete and continued success in his future endeavors.
“In another vein, we welcome Lili Kellogg as Equest’s interim CEO and President. Lili has extensive prior experience and has already proven herself as a capable, knowledgeable, and well-respected leader in the field of equine therapy. In January of 2015, Lili returned to us, as our new Vice President of Operations, from Houston’s SIRE where she had been Executive Director. Prior to SIRE, she was the Director at ManeGait. She was our Program Director at Equest for over 20 years. Lili can easily help us bridge this critical gap between Patrick’s departure today and the hiring of a permanent CEO/President in the future.
“Equest will continue to provide unparalleled equine therapy and experiences that change the lives of our clients and their families!
“Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.”
According to Jocelyn, “Patrick has several offers he is considering. He just felt he had accomplished what he set out to do at Equest.”
But that doesn’t mean fundraising for the equestrian therapy program is slowing down one iota. No, siree.
Joce added, “Our annual Equest Men’s Auxiliary Golf Classic dinner and golf tournament will be held Sunday evening November 1 and Monday, November 2, benefiting Hooves for Heroes . Mike Singletary is our celebrity host and will speak at [the] Sunday evening dinner. Golf slots for foursomes are still available. KLUV’s Jody Dean will host and emcee…Plus our annual Equest Ridefest will be held on Saturday, November 14, at Texas Horse Park. We are one of three finalists up for Non-Profit of the Year and we are gearing up for Equest’s 35th Anniversary next year !!!”